As day turned to night we headed to Rob and Kris' house for the traditional Christmas Eve party.
We're not a big group but we always have a good time. 
Thanks for a great get-together, Rob and Kris!
Gaby is sure that Santa has her name on his "nice" list!
Before going to bed Mom and I put all of the hidden presents under the tree. This year I did not tempt the twins by putting gifts under the tree as I wrapped them. Of course, I wanted the girls to stay on Santa's "nice" list too!
The blankets have a crocheted edge.
The goodies are baked.
The office is decorated.
The kitchen is a disaster.
I'm ready for Christmas!
The photos with Santa (Miguel dressed up this year) were a bit difficult because neither girl would stay put long enough for the camera to snap. The twins are easily distracted!
Carlee patiently took pictures of Gaby, Sophie and I in front of their Christmas tree before we finally got a shot worthy of the yearly Christmas card.
Of course, there were plenty of bloopers in the process of getting that somewhat perfect shot.
Did I mention that the twins are easily distracted!
Hold still and smile.....please!
Everything tasted terrific!
Gaby found that she could take bigger bites with a bigger spoon!
Rob and Ramses found plenty to eat.
This day was also special because Carlee and Miguel gave me a new smart phone. I'm going to miss my old flip phone but I'll attempt to keep up with the newer technology.
I have lots to be thankful for this year. I have a great family, wonderful friends, a comfortable home, a challenging job, good health and abiding faith that all will be well. Happy Thanksgiving!!
How big? THIS big!
Big enough to stay busy!
I am excited to have the twins sleep over tonight. They have both started to say "Grandma" very clearly. The word "grapes" is not so clear. Grapes are "yapes", but at least they no longer call them "apples".
We dressed up at work this year, ate a spooky pot luck lunch and voted our newest engineer, Bret, the winner of the costume contest. He was impressive in his Super Storm Sandy ensemble, complete with wind and rain. Half of the employees at Diacor experienced a bit of the real Sandy storm while attending ASTRO in Boston just a few days before Halloween. Julianne prepared a frightful spook alley/scavenger hunt that became rather competitive. Despite the fun, we managed to get a little work done.
Gaby and Sophie didn't mind being dressed up for the Halloween holiday in tights and bulky body suits, with hoods and tails, once they figured out that the costumes meant they would receive candy and other goodies. Gaby wanted her hood on, always, while Sophie preferred not to wear her hood, ever.
Happy Halloween!
Annika was also excited to get her American Girl Doll along with outfits and accessories.
Justin was happy that Annika let him put together her new Lego treehouse. Thanks Annika!
We all enjoyed dinner at Freddy's but not before picking out three perfect pumpkins to be carved for Halloween.
Happy Birthday Miss Annika!! I am not sure how you got to be 8 so quickly!
Annika was baptized and confirmed by her dad. Dan did a wonderful job and I am grateful for the choice Annika has made.
It was a special day for Annika and the entire family.
While we took pre-baptism pictures in the foyer of the church, Brian kept Kyle busy in the chapel. Kyle found a package of gum in my purse and managed to open, chew and swallow more than three pieces. He likes gum!
After the baptism we all gathered at Jamie and Dan's house for a luncheon and birthday celebration. Jamie and Dan went to a lot of work to prepare a tasty feast. Dianne's potato salad was excellent as always.
Lots of friends came to celebrate and visit. I chuckled at the pile of shoes and jackets by the front door.
Annika and Justin, along with a friend Naomi, found plenty to eat.
I love special occasions with family!
The front yard has a party!! 
I am glad that Carl showed up with his leaf vacuum. Thanks for the help Carl!!
There are so many nice people in this world! I'm ready for round two. The leaves are gorgeous and will continue to offer raking and vacuuming projects for the next few weeks. Bring it on! (I guess I should take a peek at the back yard! I hope I have enough garbage bags:))
